I can endorse what he says about the TOTAL secrecy when priests are accused. There is a ‘Star Chamber’ court who decides behind closed doors the whole case against a priest.

He is not allowed to face his accuser. He is not allowed to respond or defend himself.

He is allowed to make a statement without having any knowledge of proceedings or of what he has been accused. He can, if he can afford it, have a church lawyer.
I want to know why, if and it is a big if, there has been a criminal act why was it not taken to the appropriate civil authorities?

Can it be that the church feels itself to be above the law of the land?

Can it be that the church takes no notice of civil safeguards as enshrined in the US Constitution such as limitations of time on accusations?

Can it be that we have reverted to the ugly days of The Star Chamber – or perhaps we really didn’t stop trying people in secret and punishing them without due process under the law of the land, but rather made up our own little court system whereby innocent men are racked until they plead guilty.

*Star Chamber — see Wikipedia for the whole article –” Court sessions were held in secret, with no indictments, no right of appeal, no juries, and no witnesses. Evidence was presented in writing. Over time it evolved into a political weapon and became a symbol of the misuse and abuse of power —”

Further to Father Anthony’s statement that he is glad he has survived the incident – praise God -but I know of one priest who has had strokes, heart attacks and is now in a care facility, a totally broken man – and he hadn’t committed any crime.

My love and care in Christ, to all priest victims of this calumny.

From Elizabeth

The truth can easily be manipulated and exploited by all those sharks swimming out there.

Also, excessive fines and judgments imposed by irresponsible juries fall under the prohibition of “cruel and unusual punishment.”

Please do not think that your incarceration is without purpose. I’m a practicing Catholic who sees as you do the shift we are having to undermine the Catholic faith, since it is the one faith that Communism abhors and fears.

Right now things OUTSIDE of prison are beginning to take on signs of incarceration and paranoia for us as well. Yet through it all, ‘remember we are to serve’ is the response to keep ourselves from succumbing to the anger, anxiety and temptation to spiral into despair. Despair is not an option and your injustice IS affecting people and causing many to rethink the shallowness of their faith.

You are most dear to God’s heart and you are courageous in your journey.

As for the claustrophobia, I will pray so very hard that grace can lift that oppression from you. And lastly, if John the Baptist could say, from prison, to be of good cheer, then I guess I’m not blasphemous to remind you that humor IS so key, and may grace grant that to you as well.

God bless you and thank you, Father.

Jeannie Ash

Our parish supports a number of these priests by prayer and practical means and we see the suffering of those who live with these false allegations.

It is a great sorrow that so many in jobs of resposibility should have played judas.

On a more cheerful note – our priest says he is often stopped by people who just want to say “thank you for being a priest”. The laity know the truth of all this and they know their priests who have been loyal servants even though evil men have accused them falsly. Matthew 5-11.

I hope you are allowed a Bible and an office book ?

Many blessings and prayers from ‘Me’ in Texas

The polluting darkness of sin has darkened our landscape.In these darkened times I try to focus on Pentecost and how the Apostles were feeling frightened and overwhelmed because they thought Christ was dead and buried.

Then the Holy Spirit entered the room and they were filled with courage and given all the necessary gifts to survive and thrive amidst the corrupt and brutal Roman Empire. That Holy Spirit remains with us today and it can be seen shining in the extraordinary courage and fidelity of people like yourself Father. Even if there are times when I might not be able to comment because of my carer duties you shall always remain in my daily prayers especially in this Year of the Priest. God bless you now and always

I wonder if you can sense her presence in your cell? I offer your intentions daily in my Rosary. Please listen out for your heavenly Mother, she is waiting for you, her Priest.

She is aware of your deep inner need for emotional comfort. Draw from her immaculate heart as you need to. It has been pierced with sorrow more than any other human heart, apart from Our Lord’s. She is waiting for you Father, I truly believe this. God bless you Father, you are not forgotten, always keep that fact in mind.

the real victims of abuse by priests and the victims of the sin of greed- falsely accusing because there is easy money. And we suffer, too, the parishioners, the laity- the ones who pray and feel frustrated and helpless to help, really- and the bishops who betray their filial love for their fellow priests, passing judgment without fair trial- what will be the consequences of this, both for themselves now and in the hereafter?

It is an evil come upon us, for sure.

Take care, Father- know that I pray for you every day.